California Auto Insurance (CA)

California's Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law requires drivers and owners of motor vehicles to maintain minimum limits of liability insurance or have an alternative way to pay for bodily injury or property damage they may cause. Financial responsibility can be obtained in many ways:

• Coverage by a motor vehicle or automobile liability insurance policy
• A cash deposit of $35,000 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• A DMV issued self-insurance certificate
• A surety bond for $35,000 obtained from an insurance company licensed to do business in California

If you decide to purchase an insurance policy, your insurance company will send you a proof of insurance card that lists the automobiles and drivers covered under your policy, the policy number, and expiration date.

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Under California law, proof of financial responsibility must be shown when you:

• are asked for it by a law enforcement officer,
• have an accident,
• register your car or renew its registration, or
• get your car inspected.

Driving without insurance in California is a serious offense. If you cannot provide proof of insurance, you may be fined or have your license suspended.

You may want to consider purchasing limits of coverage higher than those required by law to protect your assets or property, as you may be personally responsible for any damages above the policy limits.

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Auto Insurance for Leased Vehicles in California (CA)

Most leasing companies in California typically require drivers to maintain insurance coverage which exceeds the minimums set by California state law. This is to protect you financially, as well as your leasing company, should they be held partly responsible. Most leasing companies will recommend the following amounts of insurance coverage:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $50,000
• Comprehensive and collision coverage: $500 maximum deductible

Read about special considerations for drivers in California cities

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Contacts for Auto Insurance Information In California

**Auto Insurance Finder is not an insurance broker or carrier. Content on this site is for comparison and informational purposes only. The products and services listed on this site may not be available in all states.

Last Updated: August 19, 2010